Jailed for sexually assaulting niece, 12

A 48-year-old man commenced a full sexual relationship with his 12-year-old niece by first kissing her and telling her that this would cure her spots.

He was jailed yesterday for seven years at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for defilement of the child and sexual assaults over a six-month period.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said: “He singled out this girl and gave her particular attention and worked his way into her good books.